[from the diary of George W. Dabney, clerk in Campbell County]

15″ Monday
Clear sunny, warm Th 70.
sent to Mrs Ds for copperas &c
& to know about dyeing-answer-
conclude to do it at home—
-to Paynes mill for plank, brot
away 469 feet for troughs
Saw Tom Wiatt & young Payne
hunting wild geese–saw
Jno. A. Payne–

MSS 3315

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Margaret came in much earlier than
usual, got all of my little family
ready for breakfast & had a few
moments to thank my Heavenly
father for his merciful kindness
to me all the days of my life…
I can not praise him sufficiently for
all of his goodness to me.  “Surely goodness
& mercy have followed me all the days of
my life”……….
Spent the day sewing.  After my usual
reading in the morning.
Pa went to Town & brought two letters from
Mr Shanks & Mrs Woodson, written in Sept
giving us the news of Dear Peachys death,
each time we hear it is like opening
the wound afresh; We are deprived of
the pleasure of  a more full assurance
that she is with her Saviour, by her
not being aware of her end; &expressed
nothing of her feelings in her last hour.
I would that we had this comfort.  I know
she was a Christian though.  O why should
I mourn. God who does all for the best
must have had a wise purpose in her
early death & that may have been a [?]
knowledge of  her separation from her children,
which he spared her.

MSS 15406

[from the diary of William M. Blackford, former diplomat of Lynchburg, Va., with five sons in the Confederate Army]

Monday 15.  Beautiful day.  Kept
in a state of great excitement all
day expecting news of the fight
of Saturday–Made a beginning in
conjunction with Jno S. Barbour
to raise a subscription for relief
of the Fredg sufferers–In a brief
[span?] got 250$ and remitted to R.
R. [Howison?] the Treas.  [?] pro-
mising more.  I hope the council
will do something handsome.  Sue
& Mrs Colston dined with us–also
a soldiers of Eugenes old company
named Thomas who goes tomorrow
to join his regiment-Sent a letter
by him, and a small tin canni
ster of [?] to Eugene–Went
at 8 down street to pick up details
news [?]  The success of our
arms at Fredg was very decisive
Loss of the enemy very heavy far
greater than ours–Not a word from
the boys.  Letter from Lanny-
begging that Mary may stay
longer & go with her to Hickory
Hill after Christmas–We consen
-ted, provided no danger of the ene-
my advancing

MSS 4763 

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 25th Massachusetts]

Sunday
Dec 14
Had a real good sleep last night and
got up about five o’clock this morning
Read two or three Psalms and feel real well now.
O God be with us and keep us this day (Half past two)
News is just brought to us here, that several
hundred rebels are taken and that they are beaten
Glory be to God who has given us the victory.
Our regiment supported Belgers battery, but
was not engaged. (night). We have just entered
Kinston about dark.  The rebels tried to burn
the bridge but did not succeed as our troops
followed them so closely.  We are encamped
now just in the edge of the city and the boys are
engaged in cooking their supper.  I feel pretty well
tired out but thank God that He has brought us
in safety through the perils of the day and
answered my prayer that I might not fight
on the Sabbath.  I saw Frank Nourse to night
and talked with him and now I lay me down
to sleep in God’s hands.  I forgot to mention
that we started yesterday at a quarter past
nine in the morning. It is just nine months
to day since the battle of New Berne

MSS 11293

[from the diary of Frank C. Fitzhugh, Cutshaw’s Battery]

December                  Sunday 14                                  
     Moved out in position
in a flat about two miles from
Fre’burg just before light and
opened fire on the Infantry
spent the day on the field, at
night moved in the woods &
spent the night

MSS 4448

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper publisher and civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

Camp Near Waynesboro
December 14th 1862
Dear Harriot
Your letter dated 20th of November has just
been received this morning having been sent to the 6th Va
Infantry through a mistake it is the first I have
received from you for a long time although I have
frequently written, once since we have been here which
has been two weeks  Capt Gibson handed me a note
which he received when we were at New Town from Fanny
We are here now doing no duty but that of camp but all
order has just come for our horses to be inspec-
ted by the Brigade Inspector which means I suppose
that we are to relieve some of the other regiments  We
heard last night of the fighting at Fredericksburg
and also that Gen Jones had evacuated Winchester
and gone to Front Royal and that the yankees are
now as far up the Valley as Middletown so I
suppose that we will not be able to be idle much
longer- I am very glad to hear of Lewis’ success
and I hope that he will get along with Genl. B.H.
better than Genl B.H. got along with our Brigade
We are encamped on the very spot that we were on
last summer when we were here, then there was
plenty of water within twenty yards of the camp
now those springs are dry and we have to

[page 2]
go over half a mile and this is my day
for carrying water it is now about 10 oclock and
I have been twice to the springs–My over coat
will be done about the end of this week it cost me
thirty three dollars as for shoes I am very well off
I had a pair of boots made in Loudon they cost me $20
I should like to have some of those socks and
my blanket but there is no way of sending them
to me do not try unless you see some one com
ing right to the regiment–Has Willy gotten well
yet and did he come home–What regiment
is Willy Tabb Colonel of I thought his health
was too bad to be in the service–Uncle Ned was
at home when I heard from home him which
was when I was at home and had not taken
the oath–Tell Mary that I am very sorry
that they killed her colt they had better have let
me broken it when I was there I think I could have
done it.–I am very sorry to hear from that Cousin
Emily has been so sick I hope that she has quite recov-
ered from her attack–I have not seen Cousin William
for a long time but suppose that he is still at Brigade
Head Quarters, send my love to all of them in Richmond
How is aunt Clara going to Baltimore I think it is
a very strange [?]  We have had several colder days
tan we had at all last winter and every body are filling
their ice houses, we have had three or four falls of snow
the last was about five inches thick, but it has mod-

[page 3]
erated a great deal and today is like Spring it did
not even freeze last night.  Splendid weather on the
poor wounded–We have a regular race course and
any horse in the regiment can enter that wants to your
regiment is turned into quite a Jockey Club the major
heads the list there is racing every day or two
yesterday I suppose there was fifty horses run, since
Col Flournoy left us our regiment has been rapidly going
down the hill- I understand that the old Col is
again a candidate for Governor of the State, if it is
so I hope that he will be elected–Tell  cousins Sarah
Marie and patty that their love is reciprocated and give
my love to all of the family, does little Sarah talk yet
I suppose cousin Marie is very proud of her-I should
like very much to hear that new piano. I went to see
some girls at New Town and asked one of them to play for me
after playing some time I asked her to play her favour
ite and she commenced the negro melodie “Ole  [Happin?]
if we stay about here I should not be surprised if I
took Willies plan and get married there are a good many
fat dutch girls about here with as outlandish names
as any in Holland but  wether they are worth mil-
lions or not I do not know if they do they are very
clsoe with them–I wish this war was over I am
getting very tired of it, one has to keep so dirty, and be
so irregular in his habits, we have to pay 18 and 25
cents for every piece of clothing we get washed now
and it is very hard to get it done for that.

[page 4]
Tis the still hour of the night the busy camp sleeps as
quiet as death even the bright camp fires of the enemy
are growing dim, the lonely sentinel sits on a log pencil
ing lines & the flickering lights of a fire on his beat, for
the eyes of those who occupy often his thoughts, Home, whose
happy thoughts are aroused by that little word, what
interesting recollections are stirred up, home how sweet
the sound, truly appreciated only when seperated by
distance from it,  at the sound what happy visions of
familiar forms and faces dearer than life, of the pleasant
days and hours of childhood and youth
and the endearments of parental influence-
But alas what sad thoughts are also associated with
our home how ruthlessly has it been invaded
that happy circle broken up, & those dear faces
separated, & some of these loved ones subjected to
privations and insults, and we thank God for those kind
relatives and friends who have done so much for us
and look forward for happier days when all will
again be united.–Give my love to all a Fighting
Creek and DyKeland and write soon direct to
Harrisonburg-  God bless you my dear Sister
                                  is the prayer of your aff
                                         brother
                                              Frank

Francis G. Ruffin

MSS 5533-d

                Wagon-yard of Picketts division near Fredericksburg
                                8 A.M. Sabbath, Dec. 24, 1862,
My Darling Wife,
                              You will not accuse me of violating the sanctity
of this day in writing you a few lines to assure you of my safety and
health. I have just received my valise which I was obliged to
leave at the railroad station the day I came. I tagged along
however, under the burden of my bedding which I knew I
should need.  Ned Huston came on the same train to bring clothing
for Andrew’s company, and he has been sharing my bed.  We sleep
warmly and deeply.  I have been faring well, with friends, plenty
to eat and a keen appetite.  You have learned that the cannona-
ding commenced Thursday and continued Friday.   Yesterday was
the first day of earnest fighting.  From a commanding  eminence
I witnessed a good part of it. Line after line of the enemy
advanced, broke, retreated,  many running rapidly, the fields
covered with stragglers. The foe is compelled to advance over
an open plain, our men occupying the woods and thus having
the advantage which they have well used.  I can not given
particulars concerning the killed and wounded.  I believe the
number on our side from my own observation to be comparatively
small; it is said that we inflicted great loss on the Yankees
Our regiments, though drawn up in line of battle, took no part
yesterday. In the evening a few were wounded, none badly
I think; but I hear that one of our company H. was killed, Andrew
Huston was struck with a shell in the side, and is at our
hospital; but he expects to be able to rejoin his company to-day.
I brought off a wounded man late last evening, and spent
here a comfortable night.  After breakfast I will seek out the regi-
ment who have moved since I left them.  You may be confi-
dent that I will not go into needless danger, and I think that
there will be little danger into which it will be necessary for
me at any time to go.  I get so many admonitions on this subject
from the regiment and others that I can not be unimpressed
with the duty of keeping out of harm’s way-and how pervasive
is the influence of my sweet and precious wife!  I trust to your

[page 2]
prayers too, my own darling–I know that you are ever praying
for me.  You are in my heart and mind and benedictions every
waking hour, dear wife, by day and night.—-I know not
when I can send this letter, but will have it ready to send
by any opportunity that may offer. I will however leave a blank
to be filled at a later time.  Direct to me, 11th Va. Reg., Kemper’s
Brigade, Longstreet’s Corps, near Fredericksburg. But if you find
a chance to send by private hands, do so. I have seen several of
your cousins, Thurston and Estis, and heard from others, all well. What
wouldn’t I give to know how my Ella is in body and mind! God have
thee in His keeping, darling.
                      Your devoted husband,
                              J. C. Granberry
P.S.  Lest I should forget it, I will mention now a careless blunder in the
hurry of Thursday evening which it may not be too late for you to rec
tify.  I gave Jack a five instead of one dollar note.

1 1/2 O.M.  Suburbs of Fredericksburg.  Our brigade is about a quarter of a mile below in a
safe position.  The way to them is too dangerous, being exposed to the Yankee sharpshooters.  From
the Marye house I had a good view of the foe in front of us.  A few of our men take a shot now
and then from the corners of the house.  IN the yard lie some dead South Carolinians.  There has
been little fighting to-day–only occasional picket-firing.  I have been reading the New Testament
walking about and thinking of the solemn scenes near me—and of my treasure in Richmond
You are impossibly dear to me, darling.  I trust that you will not suffer much anxiety concerning me
these eventful days.—Gen Cobb, Ga. was killed yesterday.  Also Gen. Greg.

Monday morning. After nightfall I visited the regiment.  None had been wounded during
the day.  Had a long and lonely walk through the mud to the wagons–Was cheered by thoughts
of God and of her who after him is the dearest object to my heart.  though of you at
sabbath-school, and at the public services of morning and night: and I was amid
scenes so different.  but God was with me too.  Think I have a way of sending it
now.  So good-bye.  God be with thee, my beloved.  All quiet so far this morning.

MSS 4942

[on patriotic stationery depicting a vignette of George Washington titled “A SOUTHERN MAN!  WITH UNION PRINCIPLES]
          Sunday
     Fairfax Courthouse Va
                    Dec 14th/62
Dear Mother        14th 62
                            We left
Harpers ferry on the evening
of the 12th and have just
arrived here.  We have had
some fun with the Rebbs
on our way but have had
 no very serious engagements.
 I will tell you the way
we came and where we
were attacked, and you
can refer to the map. 
We came through the

[page 2]
following places; -viz. Hillsbor-
ough, Wheatland and
Leesburg.  We were
          in our rear
attacked ^ last night near
dark by about 300
guerillas.  We killed
several of their men
and lost four of boyss. 
One of ours was killed
and 3 taken prisoners.
We had to abandon
two or three of our
waggons.  I captured
me a revolver worth
30 dollars.  Company
C is always the rear
guard and generally
has some fun if
there is any at all. 
Mother, you may
expect to hear some
things big, before long

 [page 3]
from these parts. 
Sigel has just gone
from here with his
Army and now we
numberings about 40
thousand are follow-
ing on.  I shall write
you as often as I can
and one letter must
do you all for I have
not time to write so
many.  I almost forgot
to tell you I am wri
ting this letter in
the So much noted
fairfax Court house.
I am well and go
willing and ready
to meet the Enemy.  Mother
I shall have to big-sic] you
good bye for this time
for I am in a hurry. 

[page 4]
Write soon and of
ten and tell me wheth
er you get my letters. 
I am, your loving
son, W. H. Redman

Direct via Washington,
                           D.C.
           12th Ills. Cav. Com C
                           W.H.R.

MSS 7415

            Post Hospital  Dec 14th
Dear Mother
                     You speak of laying
awake thinking of my freezing I
am not so ad off as you think
as we have a bully stove which
we boys raised, had an to
another honest gripe[sic] of the hand
of Hon Hen Wilson yesterday he
says that he is going this having
brought to a point right
away and see what can be
done with the men either send
them home on furlough or
discharge them if they are
not fit for duty he has
my name for examination
and all of his pet lambs
in this camp.  What do you
think of the Banks expedition
I think it will tear up in the

[page 2]
neighborhood of Richmond
probably in the rear.  Tell Jona
that I never shall forgive
him that horrid joke  O
it was too bad &  he
wrote liked to have burst
my bread basket a
laughing. You astonish me
when you tell me that
Frank Perkins is married.
Bully old fellow Homers
president is, Tell Aunt Abby
I should like to have some
pie & cheese but not to
worry as we may have a
chance to ate it yet
I am in hope something
will be done soon about
this camp as I am tired
and sick of it the way we
are used is disgraceful to
humanity You at home
that are accustomed to see

[page 3]
the camps in the state
can form no idea of this
here a short time ago they
made a fuss if the men
did not sweep their dirt
into piles in the middle of
the street for the carts to
take away now there is a
weeks accumulation of
dirt in the middle of
the street and no sign of
its being carted off
My respects to all
    With love from
      Wm Wallace

[envelope]
Mrs.E. Smith
Newton Lower Falls
Mass

William Wallace Smith,  Co. B., 22nd Massachusetts

MSS 15360